Usually, ancillary services like vacuums and self-serve bays run on a “countdown” model: the customer buys a set amount of time, and the clock ticks down to zero. That can create a stressful, rushed experience as people try to squeeze in as much use as possible before time expires.

Our Virtual Pay Station (VPS) can also run in “count-up” mode. Customers get the time they need—no ticking clock. It’s a better customer experience. And when the customer pays by credit card, the meter can simply keep counting up, so you continue getting paid while they take their time. Win-win.

Count-up is part of our broader VPS stability, consolidation, and hardening effort. We’ve updated both the app and the Site Controller logic. We’re also adding individual automated and remote power control to the Site Controller/VPS setup, along with automated monitoring.

With proactive monitoring and power control, the goal is to reduce the number of onsite trips required when a VPS unit needs a reset. That should maximize service availability and improve the customer experience—because the VPS won’t sit on a white screen after a network interruption.

To support count-up and power control, we’re upgrading signal relays from 2-output units to 4-output units. If you currently have a 2-output signal relay, you’ll need to upgrade to a 4-output unit to enable count-up.

The 2-output units can still be used for countdown on vacuums and other profit centers, so they can be repurposed.

We’re also working on count-up fleet tracking for self-serve on VPS units. Our intended supported options include countdown for wash pass redemption and count-up for retail sales. Fleet tracking can be either countdown or count-up, depending on your preference.

Expected launch, second quarter.

Want to learn more? Email Chris Zuchegno chriszuchegno@dencartechnology.com with “Count Up” in the subject line.